DENVER—A Chinese national, among 11 people charged with smuggling protected sea turtles, pleaded guilty Thursday in U.S. District Court.

Wang Hong pleaded guilty to a felony count of smuggling turtles from China.

He was indicted with nine others in August after a multi-year investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“Today’s guilty plea is the result of years of hard work and dedication to enforcing laws that protect our wildlife,” said Assistant Attorney General Ronald J. Tenpas. “The Justice Department will continue to work with investigative agencies such as the Fish and Wildlife Service to prosecute the illegal smuggling of protected species such as sea turtles and to insure that those who engage in such activity cannot regard the United States as a safe market for their illegal products.”

Wang admitted sending four shipments of Hawksbill sea turtle shells and violin bows decorated with turtle shells in the past two years. The items were worth more than $5,000.

Wang faces up to 12 months in prison and could be fined between $2,000 and $20,000 when he is sentenced Feb. 19.

The sentencing range is 6 to 12 months of imprisonment and a fine of $2,000-$20,000. The outcome of the charges against the others allegedly involved were not disclosed.

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